Title Hopes Dashed, Friars Fall 3-2 to UCLA in OT
Saturday, December 13, 2014
The Providence College Friars men's soccer team fell 3-2 in overtime to UCLA Bruins in the NCAA Final Four on Friday night, ending their National title hopes and a great run.
At the 104 minute mark, UCLA's Chase Gasper fired a shot from just inside the box that deflected off Providence's Brandon Adler and past Broome to give UCLA the win and their tenth trip to the National Championship game in program history.
An epic battle
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAfter trailing one to nothing at the half, the Friars came out in the second half and scored two goals in nine minutes to take a two to one lead. Both Friar goals were scored by Mac Steeves, the first one on a header past UCLA goaltender Earl Edwards Jr. The substitution of Markus Naglestad into the game was a big momentum turner for the Friars in the half.
The Friars had the lead with ten minutes left to play, however, the Bruins would not be denied as Larry Ndjock found the back of the net on a header to tie the game up at two goals each. Ndjock's goal would send the game to overtime.
The overtime periods were played relatively conservative but the Friars had a couple of chances that just went wide of the net. The Bruins turned momentum in their favor at the 100 minute mark when they were able to control possession and earn themselves a couple of corner kicks. The end result was blast by Gasper that found it's way to the back of the net, sending the Bruins bench players onto the field in celebration.
Both Ndjock and Mac Steeves had two goals in the game for their respective teams.
Friars goaltender Keasel Broome allowed three goals and made three saves while UCLA goaltender Earl Edwards Jr. allowed two goals and made two saves in the win.
Great season for Providence
For Providence, this was a heartbreaking loss, they were ten minutes away from the national championship game. However, it was a great run and a great season for the Friars.
They made it further then any other Friars soccer team in history and earned more wins then any other Friars team in program history.
The Friars will take this experience and use it next season, when the long road back to the final four begins again.
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